Planning Gorilla Trekking From South Africa
Are you planning for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo from South Africa? Yes, Africa offers the best wildlife safaris in the whole world, ranging from the greatest annual wildebeest migrations in Kenya and Tanzania, the elephant herds in Botswana to mountain gorillas found in volcanoes national park of Rwanda, Virunga national park of DR Congo, Mgahinga gorilla park, and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park of Uganda.
You wouldn’t want to experience wildlife in South Africa and miss out on seeing mountain gorillas in DR Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Mountain gorillas are the world’s largest primates and human closest relatives sharing about 98%. Mountain gorillas cannot survive in zoos.
Mountain gorilla trekking can be done from south Africa by flying to Entebbe international airport in Uganda and then get a flight to the Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip all located near Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla park. There is also an option of driving for 9-10 hours to the park from Entebbe and trek mountain gorillas after which travel back or drive to Kigali City of Rwanda and fly out from Kigali international airport
Mountain gorilla trekking from South Africa can be done by flying to Kigali international airport in Rwanda and take a few hour’s drive volcanoes national parks in northwest Rwanda, Virunga national park DR Congo, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla park in Uganda as they can be accessed from Kigali international airport.
Mountain gorilla permits cost $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 foreign residents, and shs250,000 East African citizens in Uganda, $1500 in Rwanda, and $450 in DR Congo. Where to trek mountain gorillas will always depend on the tourist’s budget and choice. Uganda is the only country that offers gorilla habituation at a fee of $1500 and this is only done in the rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Those intending to trek mountain gorillas in the high peak season are always advised to book their permits in advance of 3-4 months to avoid disappointments because these permits are always on high demand.
Mountain gorillas are subspecies of eastern gorillas found in Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda. These gorilla species were becoming extinct in the 19th century with less than 300 left in the whole world but due to conservation efforts, the numbers have greatly increased to about 1008 individuals though they are still endangered.
What is the best time to trek gorillas?
Best time for gorilla trekking is not curtained as mountain gorillas are trekked throughout the year, however knowing the best time for gorilla trekking is very important since each season comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
The best time for gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park as well as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park both in Uganda can be specified because there are 2 rainy seasons. The short season taking place in October and November, the longer season starts from mid-March to May and the remaining months are dry seasons.
What to carry for mountain gorilla trekking?
It’s good to pack the right gear for gorilla trekking in order to have a memorable experience in Uganda. The parking list for gorilla trekking should include good hiking boots, sanitizer, face mask, garden loves, long-sleeved clothes, hiking pants, light waterproof backpack, energy giving snacks, camera, and extra batteries as well as a pair of binoculars in case you love birding.
